U.S. patent application number 13/614901 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-14 for orthopedic cast walking support.
This patent application is currently assigned to CASHOE L.L.C.. The applicant listed for this patent is Todd Richard Christopherson, Kishore Tipirneni. Invention is credited to Todd Richard Christopherson, Kishore Tipirneni.
Application Number | 20130066246 13/614901 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47830475 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130066246 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tipirneni; Kishore ; et
al. |
March 14, 2013 |
ORTHOPEDIC CAST WALKING SUPPORT
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a support apparatus for use on
a leg, ankle, and foot cast. The support apparatus attaches to the
bottom of the cast and has a first sole and a second sole. The
first sole is removable from the second sole providing the cast
with both an aggressive tread on the second sole and a moderate
tread on the first sole.
Inventors: |
Tipirneni; Kishore;
(Glendale, AZ) ; Christopherson; Todd Richard;
(Glendale, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tipirneni; Kishore
Christopherson; Todd Richard |
Glendale
Glendale |
AZ
AZ |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CASHOE L.L.C.
Glendale
AZ
|
Family ID: |
47830475 |
Appl. No.: |
13/614901 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61573813 |
Sep 14, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
602/12 ; 156/250;
156/60 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 156/1052 20150115;
A61F 5/01 20130101; Y10T 156/10 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
602/12 ; 156/60;
156/250 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/00 20060101
A61F005/00; B32B 38/10 20060101 B32B038/10; B32B 37/12 20060101
B32B037/12 |
Claims
1. An apparatus providing support for a cast comprising: a first
sole adhered to the bottom of the cast and a second sole adhered to
the bottom of the first sole.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second sole is removably
adhered to the first sole.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the first sole
includes a surface having a tread pattern.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the first sole
includes a plurality of holes suitable for receiving a plurality of
studs.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second sole includes a
plurality of studs on the top of the sole.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of studs on the
top of the second sole engage the plurality of holes on the bottom
of the first sole adhering the two soles together.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of studs include
a circumferential rib around the stud more than half way up the
stud measuring from the top surface of the second sole to the top
of the stud.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first sole includes a
cushion between the upper and lower surfaces of the sole.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first sole cushion is
thicker at the heel than the rest of the first sole.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first sole includes
molded trim lines on the top surface enabling simplified alteration
to fit a verity of cast sizes.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first sole includes
grooves on the top surface and side walls which contact the cast,
wherein the grooves indicate locations to apply adhesive to improve
adhesion to the cast.
12. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second sole includes a
tread pattern on the bottom of the second sole, wherein the second
sole tread pattern is more aggressive than the first sole tread
pattern.
13. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second sole includes a
tab on the back which extends beyond the contacting surfaces of the
first sole and the second sole to ease in removal of second
sole.
14. A method for applying a cast support comprising: wrapping a
casting material around the lower extremity of a patient; applying
adhesive to a first sole; compressing an upper surface and
sidewalls of the first sole against the bottom and sides of the
cast, prior to allowing the casting material to fully cure; and
applying weight in the cast further compressing the first sole and
the cast material, prior to allowing the casting material to fully
cure.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising applying a second
sole to the bottom of the first sole for outdoor use.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the adhesive is applied to
grooves located on the top surface and side walls of the first
sole.
17. The method of claim 4 further comprising cutting the first sole
and the second sole along a line molded into the sole to adapt the
first sole and the second sole to the size of the cast.
18. The method of claim 15 further comprising removing the second
sole from the bottom of the first sole for indoor use.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/573,813, filed on Sep. 14, 2011, entitled
"THE CHRISSY SOLE," which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety for all references.
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for
supporting and allowing a patient to walk on a leg or ankle
cast.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Leg, ankle and foot casts are common tools for treating
patients. The cast by itself (commonly made from fiber glass or
plaster) is hard and has an irregular shape. Walking on a cast in
its natural state (no boot or cast shoe) causes additional problems
and challenges, such as the following: the cast has a tendency to
retain dirt and other debris, the casting material breaks down with
constant successive force applied, the shape of the cast shell is
not sufficiently ergonomic for walking and the cast does not
provide an adequately stable tracking surface relative to traction
and stability. Furthermore, the industry standard means and methods
for applying a leg, ankle and foot cast inherently has its own
disadvantage. For example, it is difficult to cure a cast with
weight on it. Thus, the patient's limb can, potentially be retained
in a position that is not comfortable to walking because the cast
was cured in a non-walking position. The result of this is that
occasionally, a leg, ankle and foot cast needs to be removed and
redone to be sure that the leg/ankle/foot are in an appropriate and
comfortable position necessary for healing. Solutions to these and
other cast support problems are desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] In accordance with various embodiments, the present
disclosure includes an apparatus providing support for a cast. The
apparatus comprises a first sole (e.g., upper sole) adhered to the
bottom of the cast. The bottom of the first sole includes a
gripping surface (e.g., a tread pattern). A second sole (e.g.,
lower sole) adheres to the bottom of the first sole. The second
sole is removably adhered to the first sole using any means known
in the art for adhering two objects. For example, the bottom of the
first sole includes a plurality of holes suitable for receiving a
plurality of studs. The second sole includes a plurality of studs
on the top of the sole. The plurality of studs on the top of the
second sole engages the plurality of holes on the bottom of the
first sole adhering the two soles together. The plurality of studs
include a circumferential rib around the stud more than half way up
the stud measuring from the top surface of the second sole to the
top of the stud. The disclosure contemplates the holes and/or studs
to be fully or partially on the first sole and/or second sole.
[0005] The first sole includes a cushion between the upper and
lower surfaces of the sole. In various embodiments, the first sole
cushion may be thicker at the heel than the rest of the first sole.
The first sole includes molded trim lines on the top surface
enabling simplified alteration to fit a variety of cast sizes. The
first sole may include grooves on the top surface and side walls
which contact the cast. The grooves indicate locations to apply
adhesive and improve adhesion to the cast. The second sole includes
a gripping surface (e.g., a tread pattern) on the bottom of the
second sole. The second sole tread pattern may be more aggressive
than the first sole tread pattern. The second sole may include a
tab on the back which extends beyond the contacting surfaces of the
first sole and the second sole assisting in easy removal of the
second sole.
[0006] In accordance with various embodiments, the present
disclosure provides a method for constructing a cast support which
may comprise wrapping a casting material around the lower extremity
of a patient, applying an adhesive to the grooves located on the
top surface and side walls of the first sole, compressing the upper
surface and sidewalls of the first sole against the bottom and
sides of the cast (e.g., prior to allowing the casting material to
cure) and placing weight in the cast further compressing the first
sole and the cast material (e.g., prior to allowing the casting
material to cure). A second sole may be applied to the bottom of
the first sole for outdoor use. The first sole and/or second sole
may be cut along a line molded into the sole to adapt the first
sole and/or the second sole to the size of the cast. The second
sole may be removed from the bottom of the first sole for indoor
use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure in any way. The present disclosure will become more
fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1a is a side view of a cast and a cast support
apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 1b is a cross-section side view of a cast and a cast
support apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 1c is a rear view of a cast and a cast support
apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 1d is a bottom view of a cast and a cast support
apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a first sole of a cast
support apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a second sole of a cast
support apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of a cast support apparatus, in
accordance with various embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a rear view of a cast support apparatus, in
accordance with various embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a top view of a cast support apparatus, in
accordance with various embodiments;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a first sole of a cast support
apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a side view of a second sole of a cast support
apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a second sole of a cast support
apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments; and
[0020] FIG. 10 is a cast and cast apparatus assembly method, in
accordance with various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein
makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary
embodiments by way of illustration and its best mode. While these
exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable
those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be
understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical,
chemical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the detailed
description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only
and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the
method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are
not necessarily limited to the order presented. Moreover, many of
the functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or
more third parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes
plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or
step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference
to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent,
removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible
attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact
(or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal
contact.
[0022] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a
support apparatus for a cast on any person, animal, plant or
object. The cast may be used on a patient's extremities, and in
various embodiments, the lower extremities (e.g. leg or ankle). The
support apparatus may provide support to the bottom of the cast to
allow the cast to be converted to a weight bearing (e.g., walking)
cast. For example, the support apparatus may comprise at least one
sole. The sole may include at least a tread portion configured to
prevent (or reduce) the ground from damaging either the cast or any
other portion of the sole. The sole may also include a cushion
portion which is configured to prevent (or reduce) damage to the
cast and improve the comfort of walking in the cast. The cushion
portion of the sole may be attached to the bottom of the cast. The
tread portion of the sole may be attached to the bottom of the
cushion. Providing both a cushion portion and a tread portion on
the sole improves the traction, the stability, and/or the shock
resistance (cushioning) of the cast. Furthermore, the sole may
provide gait preservation allowing a patient to walk in a manner
similar to one in which the patient would walk without the cast.
With these improvements, a patient is more easily able to use the
cast as a walking cast comfortably and for longer periods of
time.
[0023] In various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 1a,
support apparatus 100 may comprise more than one sole. For example,
support apparatus 100 may comprise a first sole 110 and a second
sole 150. First sole 110 may be configured to attach to the bottom
of a new or an existing cast 50 located on a patients leg/ankle 10.
The second sole 150 may be configured to attach to the bottom of
the first sole 110. Second sole 150 may be specifically configured
to protect cast 50 and the cast support apparatus 100 against a
rough or rugged walking surface. First sole 110 may be specifically
configured to protect cast 50 and cast support apparatus 100
against a gentle walking surface and provide the comfort
improvements discussed herein.
[0024] In various embodiments, the support apparatus may be
permanently or temporarily attached to the bottom of the cast. For
example, the first sole may be permanently attached to the bottom
of the cast with the second sole removably attached to the bottom
of the first sole. The first sole may be permanently attached to
the new or existing leg/ankle cast through the use of an adhesive.
Alternatively in another example, the first sole may be removably
attached to the bottom of the cast with the second sole removably
attached to the first sole. In still another example, the first
sole may be removably attached to the bottom of the cast with the
second sole permanently attached to the first sole.
[0025] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, first sole 110 may be
constructed as a one-piece unit. First sole 110 may be constructed
from natural or synthetic, flexible and/or cushioning material. For
example, the first sole may be constructed from a rubber, foam or
plastic material. More specifically, a soft rubber may be used
which provides a good cushion but may sacrifice durability.
[0026] First sole 110 may have a top surface illustrated in FIGS. 2
and 6 and a bottom surface illustrated in FIG. 7, first sole 110
may also have side walls 120 that can adjust to the contours of
differing cast shapes and reach around the side of cast 50 when
attaching first sole 110 to cast 50. First sole 110 may comprise a
flared-out shape. For example, first sole 110 may flare out from
the sole's top surface (i.e. the surface that contacts the cast) to
the bottom surface (i.e. the surface that would contact the ground
or the second sole). This flared-out shape provides suitable
surface contact area between the first sole and the cast, and
increased contact area with the ground and/or second sole to
provide better traction and stability.
[0027] In various embodiments, the first sole may have a cushion
that is thinner near the front (towards the toes) and proceeds to a
thicker cushion in the back (near the heal). This change in the
first sole cushion thickness from the front to the back provides a
more ergonomic and comfortable sole for the cast, as well as
additional cushioning (shock resistance) at the primary area of
contact (heal strike) with the walking surface. In various
embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 4, the back of the first sole
may curve from the base up the rear of the first sole providing a
contour beneficial to walking. This shape may enable a patient to
easily roll from a heal strike onto the bottom of the sole. In
various embodiments, the first sole may have a curved shape along
the length of its bottom surface, when adhered to the cast,
functioning as an ergonomic rocker bottom.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first sole may have a tread
124 on the bottom surface. In various embodiments, tread 124 does
not interfere with adhesion to the second sole. For example, tread
124 may be one or more grooves cut into the cushion material but
leaving a substantially flat bottom of the first sole such that the
bottom of the first sole maintains good contact with a second sole
when the two are attached. In accordance with various embodiments,
an additional layer of durable flat tread may be permanently
attached to the cushion to provide a ware surface on the bottom of
the first sole. In these various examples, the cushioning,
traction, and stability features of the cast support are not lost
in response to removal of the second sole.
[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first sole may further
comprise various attachment features for connecting the first sole
to a second sole. For example, the first sole may include a
plurality of holes 122 for receiving a plurality of mounting
features which are a part of the second sole. Using holes 122 as
the mounting feature on the first sole prevents or reduces the
mounting feature from being degraded when walking on only the first
sole. The attachment feature on the first sole is preferably a
feature that does not come into contact with the ground when
walking using only the first sole.
[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, first sole 110 may include
trim lines 112. Trim lines 112 may include lines or areas of the
cushion that are thinner than others that are molded into the first
sole. Trim lines 112 indicate lengths that the first sole may be
cut to in order to fit casts of various sides. The trim lines also
provide slightly thinner cushion area that is cut easier.
[0031] In various embodiments, the first sole may be attached to
the cast with an adhesive. One of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate the variety of adhesives that may be used and can be
selected from any of animal, plant, solvent synthetic monomer, and
synthetic polymer glues. For example, for a quick, easy, safe and
nontoxic application, the adhesive may be hot glue, double-backed
foam tape, quick-set industrial liquid adhesives, or similar. In
accordance with various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and
6, the first sole may include adhesive lines 114. Adhesive lines
114 may be lines on the top surface of the first sole. Adhesive
lines 114 may be grooves molded into the upper surface that
indicate specific locations that an adhesive should be applied to
the surface in order to properly adhere the first sole to the cast.
The first sole may improve stability and traction of the cast when
using the cast as a walking cast. The combination of the first sole
embodiments and improvements discussed herein taken singly (or in
any combination) provides a more stable and safer condition for
patients who need to utilize their cast in an active,
weight-bearing manner.
[0032] The benefits of first sole 110 may be further realized by
incorporating use of a second sole 150 as discussed above. In
various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9,
second sole 150 may be constructed as a one-piece unit. The second
sole may be constructed from natural or synthetic material. For
example, the second sole may be constructed from a harder rubber,
foam or plastic material that promotes durability and good
traction. For example, second sole 150 may have a very aggressive
tread 154 with large lugs. Second sole 150 does not necessarily
mate with another sole on its bottom like the first sole. As such
second sole 150 may have a tread pattern that is more aggressive.
In accordance with one embodiment, the second sole with its
intrinsic properties (e.g. durable aggressive tread) is suitable
for indoor or outdoor use. However; the second sole may be removed
as discussed herein and the first sole with its intrinsic
properties (e.g. less durable tread) may be suitable for indoor
use.
[0033] As discussed herein, first sole 110 and second sole 150 may
be attached to one another. While this attachment may be performed
by any means necessary, it is desirable to have an attachment that
does limit use of the first sole without the second sole. In
various embodiments, the attachment may be accomplished by
inserting posts into holes and using friction or interference to
limit the two from being separated. Specifically, second sole 150
may include posts 160 which extend from the upper surface. Posts
166 may be cylindrical protrusions which are configured to engage
in the holes on the bottom of the first sole. Each post 160 may
include a circumferential rib 164 which wraps around the perimeter
of post 160. Rib 164 may be located more than half way up post 160
(above post section 166) when measuring from the surface of the
sole. The rib may provide a greater engagement with holes 122 in
the first sole. The post may also include a groove that extends
along the vertical height of the post. This vertical groove may
allow for air to escape as the post and rib are pushed the hole.
The post may include a rounded top 162 enabling an easier
engagement with the holes on the bottom of the first sole. In
various embodiments, the plurality of posts 160 may be integrally
molded into the second sole. The plurality of posts may be the same
material as the second sole. In various embodiments, the posts may
be pressed through the bottom of the second sole to extend out of
the first sole.
[0034] In various embodiments, the second sole includes a tab 158
on the back of the second sole. Tab 158 may extend beyond the
surfaces where the first sole and the second sole comes into
contact (as shown in FIG. 4). Tab 158 provides a grasping feature
to simplify removal of the second sole from the first sole. 152
[0035] In various embodiments, the first sole and/or second sole
may be manufactured through any process known in the art. For
example, the first sole and/or second sole may be manufactured
through injection or compression molding. Additionally the support
apparatus may be symmetric. For example, any support apparatus may
be attached to either a right or a left foot cast.
[0036] In various embodiments, the support apparatus as described
herein may allow for an improved method of fixing a cast on a
patient. As illustrated in FIG. 1a, a patient's foot may be wrapped
with a fiberglass, plaster or other casting material (step 210).
Apply an adhesive to the first sole (step 220). Apply the sole to
the unhardened cast. Place weight in the cast applying pressure to
the first sole while the first sole is placed on the floor. While
cast is curing the foot is located in a natural and comfortable
position (230). The cast and first sole adhesive is then allowed to
cure (240). Without the sole in place, the resin of the cast would
stick to anything the cast is in contact with, such as the floor.
Separating the cast from the floor after curing would damage the
cast. Use of the sole prevents this issue by allowing the cast to
cure against the sole providing additional bonding to the sole.
After the cast resin and the first sole adhesive are cured, the
second sole may be applied to or removed from the first sole. When
using in conditions where an aggressive tread is preferable (e.g.
outdoor use), the second sole may be attached to the first sole.
When using in conditions where a moderate tread is preferable (e.g.
indoor use) the second sole may be removed.
[0037] Systems, methods and computer program products are provided.
In the detailed description herein, references to "various
embodiments", "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example
embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment described may
include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but
every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular
feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are
not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a
particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in
connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within
the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature,
structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments
whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description,
it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to
implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.
[0038] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. However,
the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements
that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or
become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical,
required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure. The
scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing
other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in
the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless
explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more." Moreover, where a
phrase similar to at least one of A, B, and C' or at least one of
A, B, or C' is used in the claims or specification, it is intended
that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present
in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone
may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the
elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for
example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. All
structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of
the above-described exemplary embodiments that are known to those
of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by
reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.
Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address
each and every problem sought to be solved by the present
disclosure, for it to be encompassed by the present claims.
Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present
disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of
whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly
recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed
under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the
element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for." As used
herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that
a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of
elements does not include only those elements but may include other
elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,
article, or apparatus.
* * * * *